South Africa is facing renewed pressure to contain a growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), as veterinary authorities confirm the virus is spreading beyond initial containment zones in KwaZulu-Natal and into new provinces.
The Department of Agriculture, in a statement released on Wednesday, linked the outbreak to a livestock auction held in February in Utrecht, a town in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Since then, confirmed cases have emerged in Newcastle and Bergville, prompting a nationwide alert to halt animal movements and intensify disease surveillance.
“We have initiated a full trace-forward investigation from the auction, tracking all animals that were present,” the department said. “Containment is now our top priority.”
KwaZulu-Natal has reported 147 active cases, and with new infections detected outside the existing Disease Management Areas (DMAs), authorities have expanded the boundaries of those zones in an urgent bid to limit further transmission.
In a concerning development, cattle in Mpumalanga Province have also tested positive for FMD antibodies. While the animals show no visible symptoms, the farm has been placed under quarantine as officials probe potential exposure and spread.
The agriculture department has issued fresh warnings to farmers and livestock traders, emphasizing that the virus can incubate silently for up to two weeks, during which time animals may appear healthy but remain infectious.
“Any signs of infection must be reported to a State Veterinarian without delay,” the statement added. “Suspect animals must not be moved, under any circumstances.”
Foot-and-mouth disease remains a major threat to South Africa’s livestock industry, with serious implications for trade and food security. Officials say they are working closely with affected communities to contain the outbreak and protect unaffected areas.